Structure & Function
Tools & Machines
See Also: CCC-6 Form and Function
(From the Sourcebook for Teaching Science Activity 12.1.1)
Bicycles
Engineers are employed to develop and refine products to meet specific needs. The structure of each product is designed to meet the required functions. Although the five types of bicycles shown in figure 12.2 have the same basic structure, each is equipped with components whose structural features make it well suited for a specific application.
Road racing bicycles – designed for speed and distance competitions such as the world famous Tour de France.
Touring bicycles – designed for long distance riding on paved roads and highways.
Hybrid bicycles – designed for riding on paved roads and well graded dirt or gravel roads.
Beach cruisers – designed for riding on flat boardwalks and roads near beaches and other level areas.
Tools
Mechanical engineers design tools to meet specific needs. The structure of a tool reflects and determines its function. Examine the structure of the individual tools in the Leatherman® tool illustrated in figure 12.3, and match functions with tools. Explain the relationship between tool structure and function.
Fruits & Seed Dispersal
